 In the 1960s he established a molecular biology group within the Animal Genetics Division, which later became the CSIRO Molecular and Cellular Biology Unit.His personal interest was in breeding cattle to build up the livestock industry in the tropical and sub-tropical regions which led to the Belmont Red.When a new tropical beef cattle research laboratory was built in Rockhampton coincidental with his retirement it was named the James Rendel Laboratory to recognise his contribution to the cattle industry.